December was never meant to be an obstacle course. Yet for so many of us, holiday gatherings now feel like another job: decorating, cleaning, cooking, wrapping, hosting, performing. In this episode, Blaze offers a gentle reframe: what if the original purpose of these holidays was to give us permission to pause: to gather, rest, and be together, not to prove anything?
We explore how productivity culture, busy work schedules, and “do it all” expectations have turned built-in breaks into more pressure and holiday stress. Blaze reflects on how kids and elders often get to experience the season as it was intended: restful, cozy, playful... while those in the middle carry the load. You’ll be invited to see your own traditions with fresh eyes, treating rituals as things you get to do, not things you have to complete perfectly.
Blaze also shares a playful idea: a personal “pause card” or flag that your loved ones can use when they notice you getting overwhelmed or overworked. Instead of pushing through burnout, you can use this as a reminder to slow down, regulate your nervous system, and come back to presence even in the middle of cooking, cleaning, or last-minute wrapping.
If you’ve been feeling resentful, rushed, or secretly dreading parts of the season, this conversation gives you grounded, compassionate permission to take a break, receive support, and let your holidays be a little softer this year.
Read the full transcript of this episode here.
✨ Ready to feel calmer and more connected?
Download your free Emotional Alignment Starter Kit - a soul-centered guide to ease overwhelm and reconnect with what truly matters.
👉 Get your free kit here
#holidaystress #holidayoverwhelm #permissiontopause #restduringholidays #productivityculture #nervoussystemregulation #slowliving #intentionalliving #anchoredandalive
